Three Meningitis Deaths Disturb the Community in L.A County

Los Angeles county health officials reported death of three out of eight people this year who suffered from bacterial meningitis. All people who died were in the age group of 25-27 yrs.

Department of Public Health tried to persuade the gay men who were tested HIV posted, to get vaccinated against fatal meningococcal disease prior to Thursday’s confirmation.

If diagnosed at an early stage, the disease can be cured with relevant antibiotics, but if the infection spreads to a larger extent, then it can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, and ultimately to even death! And, that’s what seems to be the case with the three patients that eventually lost their lives.

The departmental authorities stated that the three men who died did not have any contact with each other; however, the disease is said to be very fatal and infrequent and the department is hesitating to declare it within the gay community to avoid any outbreak.

As per the records, bacterial meningitis has affected 22 gay men, killing seven in New York between 2010 and 2013. The medical director for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, Dr. Robert Bolan stated that “population is at risk right now”.

Free vaccinations are being distributed by health departments to those people those who don’t have health insurance. However, situation still looks quite tricky so it’d be interesting to see if things can be brought under control if the right precautions are exercised.